Chapter 9: The Underground Laboratory

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Qiu Ci had anticipated that finding the research institute wouldn’t be easy, but she hadn’t expected it to be a forbidden zone. She couldn’t help but wonder if the institute had long since been discovered by the Xuantian Sect, which was why it had been sealed off. After all, this continent was so hostile even to the Chinese language, let alone technology from Blue Star.

She had also considered just going in herself, though the risk of exposure was immense. But the research institute was right before her eyes; she couldn’t simply let it slip away. After all, these things belonged to Blue Star. As the only person from Blue Star here, it was only natural for her to obtain this data.

Moreover, the longer she delayed, the harder success might become. She was currently only a probationary disciple; even if discovered, she could still use the excuse of being a newcomer to cover herself.

Besides, with the Dog System accompanying her—even though it was a bare machine—it came with powerful native scanning capabilities.

[Beep! Scan complete. Optimized route planned. Please proceed straight ahead for 200 meters to enter the teleportation formation.]

Green arrows appeared before her eyes, and Qiu Ci quickened her pace towards the system’s direction. She had to admit, the Dog System was quite effective at this moment, skillfully guiding her to avoid everyone and plotting the safest route.

This rendered her plan to pretend to be lost completely useless. Crucially, it even circumvented the Qiān Rèn Peak’s range, looping around from the left rear to the forbidden zone. Although it took twice as long, it was undoubtedly safer.

Only then did Qiu Ci finally relax, until she stepped into a dense, shadowy forest.

[Beep, you have arrived at your destination.]

The green arrows vanished.

This was the forbidden zone?

Qiu Ci looked around. All she could see were trees; there was no sign of any man-made structure, let alone a research institute. It looked nothing like a graveyard either!

“System, where’s the research institute you promised?” she asked.

[Master, the location is indeed here.] The small glowing orb flew out and circled the area. [It may be that the correct entrance hasn’t been found yet. The research institute has anti-surveillance protocols; the system cannot scan or locate it. Only the great master can find the entrance.]

“...” How was she supposed to find it?

Frowning, Qiu Ci looked around but found no suspicious entrance. She had no choice but to venture further inside until she saw a huge boulder ahead, which made her stop in her tracks.

Well, she really had found it.

On the boulder was a large carved emblem: inside a green square frame was a running stick figure.

Wasn’t that a safety passage symbol?

That was far too obvious!

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Qiu Ci twitched at the corner of her mouth and couldn’t help but press her hand against the safety passage icon. The next moment, a mechanical electronic tone sounded in her ear.

[Beep beep, genetic recognition confirmed!]

Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet trembled, followed by the sound of mechanical gears clicking and whirring. The floor rapidly sank downward; darkness enveloped her, and she felt a strong sensation of weightlessness. Was she... descending?

Underground, beneath the research institute?

Startled, Qiu Ci heard only the rushing wind beside her. The weightless feeling lasted several minutes before finally stopping.

She vaguely sensed she had reached the bottom, but all around was pitch black; she couldn’t see a thing.

“It’s too dark. Can’t you turn on a light?” she said casually.

Click!

A crisp sound, then a white beam of light burst forth before her eyes, followed by a second, third, and fourth.

In an instant, the white light shone brilliantly, illuminating the surroundings even brighter than daytime.

They really did turn on the lights!

Qiu Ci looked around in delight. This was a white space, clearly constructed from steel and metal—the kind she was far more familiar with, unlike the antique-style buildings outside.

Ahead stood huge, unfamiliar machines. As the lights came on, these devices seemed to awaken like giant beasts, beginning to operate. Rows of colorful indicator lights lit up in succession.

Most strikingly, in midair, semi-transparent holographic screens popped up one after another like open books, displaying rows of indecipherable data and graphics — just like scenes from a futuristic sci-fi laboratory.

[Welcome back, Master!] a distinctly different electronic voice rang out suddenly.

Qiu Ci was startled and looked around but saw no glowing orb like the system’s. The voice seemed to come from all directions.

“Who are you?” she asked.

[I am the central control intelligent system of Research Institute E5810, affiliated with the Federal Government’s scientific research division. I manage all data control and operations here.]

“You’re the main brain of this research institute?”

[Yes, Master!]

“Why do you call me Master?” The system had bonded with her, so calling her Master was rational. But why did the institute’s main brain also address her that way?

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[Because you are from Blue Star. After Blue Star collectively ascended, your genetic sequence became the highest and sole sequence. Your commands naturally constitute the highest directives of this main brain. Not only me, but all Blue Star-origin products’ underlying protocols recognize anyone with Blue Star genes as possessing the supreme authority.]

“So, as long as it’s a Blue Star product, I can control it?” Was there really such a good thing?

[Yes, Master!]

“Then does that mean I alone have inherited the entire legacy of Blue Star?” And without having to pay any taxes.

[Exactly!]

Why did she suddenly feel like she was the last surviving heir who had inherited the entire family fortune?

Was this some form of compensation for those left behind?

Qiu Ci’s mood was complicated as she glanced at the high-tech surroundings. Then she asked, “Main brain, do you have cultivation data? Can you upgrade my system?”

[Of course!] The main brain responded mechanically. Compared to the overly humanized and somewhat noisy Dog System, this main brain was clearly more rigid and mechanical. [E5810 contains all early Blue Star research data on spiritual energy. Master can directly transmit it.]

After speaking, a holographic screen immediately popped up before her eyes. In the center was a circular slot, surrounded by flashing green data.

“Dog System, come here!” She beckoned to the curious little glowing orb flying around.

[Yes, Master!] The orb zipped back at once.

Qiu Ci caught it and placed it into the center of the holographic screen. It fit perfectly. With a few beeps, streams of data flowed into the orb, which began to emit a flickering green light.

[Master, E5810 is equipped with a gene enhancement pool. Would you like to synchronize the process of muscle and marrow cleansing to increase compatibility with spiritual energy?]

“There’s such a function? Then let’s do it!” Qiu Ci didn’t hesitate and nodded.

The next moment, a metal panel on her left slid open, revealing a passage. Following the main brain’s guidance, she arrived at a pool surrounded by a mist of pale golden vapor. The water itself was golden, its composition unclear, but just standing nearby gave her a refreshing jolt of energy.

Without hesitation, she stepped into the pool. Instantly, waves of tingling numbness surged through her body, like being electrified. Something gradually seeped into her veins, continuously cleansing her muscles and marrow. Miraculously, she felt no pain, only a drowsy sensation as if drifting into sleep.

And then, she truly fell asleep...